Ongakuka
Author’s Note: I apologize to the Social Theorists whose
names I took advantage of. ^^; As
usual, sickly sweet nothing. ^^;
General Diesuke rode through the market place with a pair of his guards ensuring that the law was always a presence. People bartered and shopped around him, seeming oblivious save the few that offered him a friendly wave. For once the kingdom of Jayrock was at peace, its neighbors electing to pull away and lick their wounds. With his newfound free time the captain elected to help with patrols of the city when the king got sick of seeing his face.
The lanes of the market were drawing to an end when the sound of an instrument twanging its last caught their attention. Curious, Die followed the sound as a panicked voice became intelligible. “Please no, anything but my hands, I beg you!”
Speeding up Diesuke clattered into the lane as one of his guards lifted his sword. Some young man had been tied to a barrel displaying his wrists as another held his body still. Die recognized this as the usual punishment for thieves. “Halt!” he boomed over the whimpering of the captive.
The guardsman paused mid-swing and looked up at the commander in shock. The man tied to the barrel seemed caught between relief and fear, he recognized the general.
“Sorry for interrupting.” Diesuke dismounted, only now identifying the one who held down the accused as the Baron Marcuse’s son. “What has this minstrel done to deserve such a death?”
The guardsman smartly saluted after seeming at a loss for words, Die decided he must be a rookie, gaping up at him in this manner. “He stole the purse of the Baron Foucault’s son, sir.” Was the reply as Foucault’s son stepped into view nodding his head.
Die looked at the accused that watched him with frightened eyes. He recognized the boy, had heard him play before. “You witnessed this occur?” he asked the guard.
“No sir. Marcuse acted witness for Foucault. They said they’d been listening to the bard who had danced in a circle around them and Foucault had found his purse missing. I only saw the three of them fighting, sir.”
“This is true?” he asked the accusers.
“Yes, General. When I tried to retrieve my purse he began to attack me.” Foucault sniffed disdainfully at the man still tied to the barrel.
“What say you?” Die looked down at him.
“They stopped to listen to my play when suddenly the taller one took a handful of coins from my collection plate. I protested and they attacked me.” His eyes begged that the General understand.
“Marcuse, you can let go of his shoulders.” Die waved the Baron’s son away from the minstrel who hesitantly stood. “I have watched this minstrel play at various points for a year if not more. At no time have I ever seen him get up and dance. Secondly, how does one play his instrument of choice, dance and pick a pocket all at one time?”
“He’s fast, that’s what he is!” Foucault protested.
“Come now. You can’t honestly expect me to believe that. Besides, why would he steal your purse, I have it on good authority that your father revoked your annual allowance!” Foucault merely gaped at him in shocked fury. “If I hadn’t such respect for your fathers I’d have you both arrested for attempted murder.”
“Attempted murder?” squeaked Marcuse.
“Cutting off his hands means opening blood vessels that wouldn’t stop pumping. If he didn’t bleed to death he’d die of a broken heart, being so unable to play music.” Die glared sternly at them both. “Now hand me your change purses, both of you.” Completely stunned the two noblemen handed the General their purses. “Now return to your manors before I change my mind.” Nodding shakily the two took off, casting black glances over their shoulders.
“Forgive me, sir.” The guardsman who’d been about to pass sentence went to one knee.
“You should have taken them all to the courts. You acted rashly and prejudicial. Just because they have blue blood doesn’t mean their hearts aren’t black. Return to the palace.” Giving a swift nod of dismissal he turned and began freeing the prisoner.
“Thank you, sir. Thank you so much.” The minstrel rubbed his raw wrists once he was free.
“I couldn’t allow them to rob the world of your music.” Die replied, pressing the two change purses into the shorter mans’ hands.
“I couldn’t.” the minstrel tried to push them back at the General.
“If I’m not mistaken those louts broke your instrument. This will more than pay for a new one, not to mention the nerves you just acquired, nearly loosing your hands.”
Reluctantly the young man accepted the purses and tucked them safely into his belt.
“Where is the nearest place you can get a new…instrument?” Die asked, not really sure the technical name for the stringed box the bard picked out of the dust.
“Near Wolveshead manor. There’s a carver there. Best in the city, I should be able to afford one now.” The Minstrel pointed east and smiled shyly at his savior.
“Care to ride with me? I’m headed in that direction.” Die found himself asking, suddenly bewitched by that smile.
“I’ve been far too much trouble as it is.” The minstrel bowed his head.
“Nonsense, I insist. Wolveshead manor is half a days walk, I can get you there in an hour or so.”
“If you insist sir, after saving my life I can deny you nothing.”
“Splendid.” Die turned to the men still mounted behind him. “Continue on. I’ll catch up with you later.” Saluting the two rode off. Mounting Diesuke offered a hand. “General Ando Diesuke at your service.” He smiled.
“Kaoru.” Replied the bard quietly as he accepted the hand.
*
Die had only seen so many instruments at one of the kings’ celebrations when an entire orchestra had been summoned. Against one wall sat a selection of Kaoru’s particular stringed device varying from simplistic to ornate, lined in gold and dotted with semi-precious stones. Kaoru hovered over a set of three plainer instruments, touching the strings gently, trying to decide.
“Why not one of these ones Kaoru?” Die gestured to the ornate ones.
“It’d be stolen by the end of the day and I haven’t the money, even with the purses you gave me. All I need is a simple one.” Was the quiet reply as he finally picked one off the shelf.
“If you were a court bard with a pick of all these, which would you choose?” Die gazed at him in curiosity, waving at the ornate ones with one hand.
“An instrument is more than just looks.” Kaoru tried to explain, hoping he wasn’t overstepping himself. “The stones and inlays alter the tones that come from the vibrations.” Carefully he ran his calloused fingers across the strings of an instrument built of two shades of wood. The darker cherry was cut into the honey in a pattern of a bird. As the sound reverberated Kaoru smiled. “This one.” He all but purred.
“Done.” Die startled the shorter man, picking up the instrument and moving away.
“Wait, what do you mean?” Kaoru followed the General.
“When you play in the city you have that one.” Die gestured to the instrument in Kaoru’s arms. “When you come to play for me, this will be waiting.” And he stroked the wood softly.
“I don’t understand.” Kaoru bewilderedly watched as the General paid.
“I’m having a party tonight, I want you to play for me there. Call it a trial run, if we both enjoy the evening you’ll become my personal bard.”
Kaoru could only blink is shock. “You’ll make me a court minstrel?”
“Exactly. I won’t tie you down though; you can come play in the city all you like. But when you return at night, you’ll play for me.”
“It’s too good to be true.” Kaoru whispered.
“One night to convince you.” Die winked.
*
Kaoru had played private parties before, used to being ignored unless someone had a request. Servants at such events catered only to the partygoers and left the bards hungry and dying of thirst. Tonight, however, was a different story. The chair the captain had given him was practically a couch and the servants seemed convinced that he was starving and dehydrated. The General often checked in on him but otherwise the nobles ignored him. He preferred it this way. Diesuke’s attention frightened him as it was. He played all the classics and as many popular fast songs as he could remember. The party seemed to be in honor of some Duke’s son coming of age. The party lasted until well after the honored guest had left and Kaoru was fighting to stay awake, the day’s events catching up with him.
A touch on his arm paused him mid chord and he turned to regard the small servant boy. “You’re exhausted.” Said the boy. “The Commander instructed me to show you a place to spend the night.”
Kaoru looked up to spot the General lounging with some of his guests. When they made eye contact Diesuke lifted his glass and returned to his conversation. “Thank you.” Kaoru turned back to the boy and followed him from the room.
“The Commander said to apologize for the room, he wasn’t able to arrange a proper one in time so it’s only temporary. It’s just a guest room but it’s fairly close to his wing.”
“He has a wing?”
The boy nodded. “It connects to the King’s apartments and most often houses Diesuke’s personal attendants and Captains. The guest rooms are for dignitaries that need extra protection during their stay. If you hear running up and down the hallway, don’t be too alarmed, there always seems to be something that drags the poor General out of bed.”
Kaoru nodded as the boy pulled open a door and gestured him inside. The guest room seemed to be three rooms all connected and the bard could only gape in shock. “This is my guestroom? You could sleep twelve of me in here!”
“It was all we could arrange on such short notice. I had a bath prepared and we found some bedclothes we hope will fit you. Your size isn’t too far away from the Kings.”
Kaoru made a choking sound. “Please tell me they didn’t belong to the King.”
“Heavens no.” The boy chuckled. “They hadn’t cut the fabric to his length yet so I just stole an unfinished pair.” The boy made his exit with a grin at the shock on the bards face.
Left alone Kaoru went through the large sitting area and into the bedroom. Waiting for him on the king-sized canopy bed was a set of pajamas made of black silk with dark purple dragons wrapping around the ankles and cuffs. Peeking into the bathroom he found the huge tub full of bubbles with a small tray of bread and cheese set on the edge next to a glass of wine.
“This is all too much.” Kaoru muttered but quickly stripped off his clothes.
*
Diesuke hadn’t gone to sleep yet. Once the last guest had left he’d found three messages waiting for him in his apartments. Once the replies were dispatched he stripped off his hot overcoat and surveyed his messy desk. “No cure for it.” He muttered. “I won’t be able to sleep until I see if he’s run off.” Standing he moved to one of the elaborate paintings on his wall and pulled on the door hidden there. Stepping inside he moved towards the guest rooms.
The secret hall exited into the guest room behind a red velvet wall cover and Die pushed it aside to enter. The fireplace glowed with embers illuminating the room and its single occupant. The bard looked tiny, alone in such a large bed, an empty glass of wine on the bedside table. He lay on his side, short golden-red hair splayed across the white pillow. Die caught his breath as he moved closer, watching the bards’ chest rise and fall. The bards’ eyes moved rapidly beneath their lids, lost in dreams.
‘It’s been so long.’ Die found himself thinking as he leaned over the sleeping figure. ‘I don’t even know where to start.’ Gently he reached out to brush a wisp of straight hair off the minstrels’ cheek.
Kaoru lashed out, slapping the hand away, instantly awake. He sat up and scrambled away, nearly falling off the bed. A cold anger had replaced the sweet innocence of sleep and Die instantly regretted touching the other man.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to frighten you.” Die announced when he saw the recognition in the others’ eyes. The bard closed his eyes and tried to relax. “I wanted to see if you were still here, or if you’d turned me down.”
Kaoru shook his head. “I’m sorry for striking you. Years and years on the streets makes your reflexes defensive. If you aren’t fast enough you’ll be jumped, or robbed, or worse.”
“I should have realized, I’m sorry.”
Kaoru took calming breaths. “Thank you, for all of this.” He looked up at the General. “I don’t remember ever being treated so well.”
“I think its about time someone did, if you’d give me that chance.” Die watched Kaoru’s face fall in contemplation. “I won’t tie you to any contract but when you tire of the city I hope you’ll return to me, play your music for me.”
Kaoru looked up at the lonely wistful tone in the Commander’s voice. “I’d like that.” He offered quietly, flashing a small smile.
*
Die wrote a reply to the letter he’d received earlier that morning as a gentle tune was strummed out behind him. He glanced over his shoulder at the slim figure seated on the windowsill.
“I’m going into town today.” Kaoru spoke up. “I’ll be back for the kings’ party.”
“If you wouldn’t mind, he’d like to meet you.” Die nodded.
The tune continued and Die reflected on the last few months. Peace in the kingdom continued and Die found himself requesting for Kaoru to play for him at night. Sleep somehow came easier when he could concentrate on the bard’s skill and shadowy figure. Kaoru would sit on the chaise near his bed with a single candle and play until he fell asleep. Inevitably, when the late night messengers would come, Die’s mind felt clearer and it wasn’t as hard to fall asleep the second time. For the last few weeks Die would awaken to the minstrel still on the chaise, asleep with one arm wrapped around his instrument.
Last night it became obvious that sleep was futile. He’d close his eyes and his servant would be shaking his shoulder. The blanket he’d draped over Kaoru had fallen off and he’d found himself carefully approaching the bard. He hadn’t tried to touch Kaoru again since that first night but something made him bold last night. Gently he’d gathered the smaller man into his arms and placed him in the still warm spot he’d recently vacated. Tucking Kaoru in Die had smiled at the trust he’d somehow built between them.
For two months he’d watched Kaoru and not touched. His affection came out in other ways, buying little things and leaving them in the room he’d cleared for the bard. Its former owner had required a large pay off to give up their apartment but the smile on Kaoru’s face had been reward enough for the trouble. On the nights he had nothing to attend too he’d take Kaoru to the market to pick out things Kaoru didn’t even realize he needed. His room was decked out in soft dark fabrics and mahogany furniture. Die loved to watch him compose from the hidden corridor, fingers splashed with ink, scattered music sheets everywhere.
“See you tonight.” Kaoru stood and put his instrument on the chaise. Returning to Die’s desk the General froze in shock as the bard put an arm around his neck and brushed his lips over his temple. That done Kaoru disappeared onto the veranda and away.
*
Die stood on the veranda outside the King’s apartments. Night had long since fallen and still Kaoru had not come.
“Where is your precious musician?” purred a melodious voice. Die turned to regard the stock little figure standing behind him. “I’ve heard so much and he hasn’t arrived yet.”
“I don’t understand, he told me he’d come.” Die returned to gazing out over the city.
“Worried?”
“Not yet.” Die looked at the floor. “Forgive me, your Majesty. I shouldn’t be so melancholy during your party.”
“He did something, didn’t he?” the king looked up at his General with a smirk.
Die blushed. “Just a little something.” He admitted.
“It’s about time.” The king’s smirk widened into a genuine smile.
“Commander.” A servant tugged at his sleeve. “This just came for you sir.”
Gesturing for the king to wait a moment and the servant to stay Die pulled open the seal and read the paper. The King’s eyes narrowed as he watched his General turn first a sickly white then red with anger. “What does it say?” he asked warily.
“Do you remember how I refused to take a lover while we were at war?” Die looked up from the letter.
“Yes.” The King was truly worried now.
Handing the letter to the King he turned now to the boy. “Who gave you this letter? What livery did he wear?”
“An ugly green color, sir. With dark blue trim.” Nodded the boy.
“Fools” muttered Diesuke. “Good boy, now run to my rooms and awaken my Captains.”
“Die, the seal is of a stag, they wouldn’t use their household seal to close a ransom letter, would they?”
“Well they sent it with their household servant.” Die looked at his King. “Forgive me, Sire.”
“Go, go rescue him.” The King waved him away. “I’ll make your excuses.”
*
Diesuke slammed open the doors to his personal apartments to find his five top Captains waiting for him. “Forgive me for taking you from your evening events gentlemen. Some persons have kidnapped my bard and are asking for my resignation as General as well as a chest full of gold. I don’t think this event should take more than a night; in any case our kidnappers are imbeciles. Riesman and Parsons, have ten men selected from your barracks and tell them to stay at the ready incase I call. Althusser and Goffman select ten men and have them saddled and ready to go within the hour. They will be my primary search party. Hachter, send for Aiji. I need him immediately.” The men all nodded and left without a word.
Half an hour Die paced in front of his desk before he found a young man on one knee before him. Used to the assassins’ stealthy entrances by now Die hid his surprise. “Forgive me, sir. I was visiting relatives outside of the city.”
“I am sorry for dragging you back but I need a favor.” Diesuke replied. “The sons of Foucault and Marcuse have kidnapped my minstrel.”
“So I was told, what are your orders sir?” the assassin stopped him from continuing.
“Find him. Time is of the essence. He is in one of their manors. Find him and inform me.” Die watched the assassin stand. “I want you to protect him until I get there.”
The lithe young man smiled. “Easily done, sir.” He bowed his head once and left without ceremony through the front door.
*
Foucault manor was his first target. It was the largest with the deepest, most secure, basement and cellar. Most manors had some sort of holding room for thieves and disobedient servants. Aiji slipped over the outer wall and moved to the servant’s entrance easily, the servants busy cleaning up for the night. Stealing a clean set of livery from the laundry he paused in a dark pantry to slip it over his head.
Looking quiet and subdued he made his way through the house drawing no more attention than a houseplant. The door to the cellar was easily found and he slipped inside, pausing to allow his eyes to adjust to the darkness. The cellar was a long hallway of heavy wooden doors. Wine cellar, root cellar, pantry, storage, he carefully checked each door. At the very end of the hall he found the heavy door securely locked. “Here you are.” He whispered.
Two lock pick tools later the door swung open silently. A dim light from outside filtered in a tiny window revealing a figure that curled tighter around itself when the sound reached it. Closing the door behind himself Aiji approached the man. His hands had been tied behind his back, ankles bound together. A bag had been thrown over his head and judging by the quiet whimpers he’d been gagged. “Don’t struggle.” Aiji whispered gently. “I mean you no harm.” Kneeling over his Aiji felt the tips of his’ fingers for calloused. “Here you are.” Aiji helped him into a sitting position and pulled the bag off. “Diesuke sent me to find you little minstrel.” He purred. Kaoru’s eyes visibly calmed and Aiji assessed the injuries. “They got you good.” He frowned. “The Commander is going to hang someone for this.”
Once he was sure the bard wouldn’t fall over without his aide Aiji stood and reached under his livery and shirt. Pulling out a tiny piece of paper and a stick of charcoal he quickly wrote, “Foucault, healer.” Reaching again he pulled out a bundle of fur. Kaoru watched in surprise as the fur uncurled into a small bat wearing a collar. Tucking the note into the wooden tube at the bats throat Aiji pried open the window and set the bat loose.
Aiji approached the bard again and was surprised to see him wince and move away when he tried to remove the gag. “Uh oh.” Aiji murmured and quickly took out the gag before moving away again. “They didn’t just beat you…”
“Can we leave? Please?” Kaoru whispered.
“I can’t get you out the way I got in.” Aiji kneeled but kept a comfortable distance between them. “The Commander will come soon.”
Kaoru shook his head. “I don’t want him to see me like this.”
“You have no choice. He’s going to storm in here like a mother bear who’s lost her cub.” Aiji watched the other man carefully. “I’ll tell you what I’ll do. I’ll wait outside and warn him not to go mother bear on you. If he knows it’ll only hurt you worse he’ll back off.”
Kaoru nodded. “Thank you.”
The two waited, although Kaoru didn’t know who this was. He ignored the other man and tried to steel himself for what was to come. A sudden squeaking alerted him to the return of the bat. A new note was revealed and he watched Aiji smile. “He’s on his way.” He looked up at the bard. “I’m sorry but I have to put at least the bag back on.”
The minstrel’s eyes were stricken but he closed them quickly and nodded. Before he could protest Aiji put the bag over his face and helped him lie down again. Wishing the other man luck he pushed the small window open further and wormed his way outside.
Dropping the stolen livery under a large bush Aiji made his way to the road in front of Foucault’s manor. Twelve horses galloped up to him and the General brought them all to a stop. Dismounting he approached the assassin.
“They beat him, and worse.” Aiji informed him quietly. “Don’t act personally, he’s hurting and you’ll make it worse if you act the ‘victorious lover’ routine.”
Diesuke’s face grew grimmer. “Understood.”
“I’ll go back to the palace and have everything ready for your return.”
Diesuke took a deep breath and strode through the gate to the front door. Slamming his fist against its surface he waited. He was surprised when a wary Baron Foucault himself opened the door with two servants hovering over his shoulders. “Baron Foucault, I have evidence pointing to a member of your household holding a member of my staff hostage.”
“Surely you’re joking.” The Baron sputtered.
“I assure you that I am not. Allow us the chance to search your cellar and this will all be cleared up in a moment.”
“Of course. I have nothing to hide.” The Baron stepped aside.
Diesuke waved his men inside but remained with the Baron to follow behind. “Where is your son this evening?” he asked casually.
“At Marcuse’s manor.” Was the easy reply. “Why do you ask?”
“Sir?” a guardsman came half way up the stairs. “We found him sir. He’s been beaten pretty badly.”
Foucault gaped in shock. “No.” was all he managed to say.
“Bring him up, gently. Althusser, go collect Goffman and go to Baron Marcuse’s. You should find them both there.”
“What does this mean?” Foucault followed the General to the front door.
“This letter was delivered to me earlier this evening.” Diesuke took the letter from his pocket and handed it to the Baron to read. “Do you recognize the seal or the script?”
Foucault gaped at the letter. “This is my seal…but not my son’s script.” He admitted.
“I’ll have to see if Marcuse’s son wrote it then.” Diesuke shrugged.
Foucault gaped in shock at the General and then at the bruised and bloody man that was brought to the door. “I had no idea!” he sputtered. “Is there anything I can do?”
Die scanned Kaoru’s condition. “Could we borrow your carriage? He’s not fit to ride.”
“Of course!”
*
Kaoru lay drowsily amid the pillows and silken sheets of his bed. The healers and the servants that had tended to him upon returning to the palace had all been women and only physical pain had plagued him. The fire crackled cheerfully near by and he waited for the painkillers to rob him of consciousness.
A door quietly opened and a tall figure approached. Kaoru’s heart squeezed when he recognized the mess of red hair. Die put a finger to his lips and had a seat in a wing chair beside the bed. In his hands was the harp he’d bought to entice the bard into his service. Without a word he started to play. It was quiet, slow, and Die had to pause often as he stumbled over the chords but Kaoru closed his eyes and relaxed. Die wouldn’t touch him, he knew, but Die would stay, play for him, and protect him.
*
Diesuke attempted to relegate as many tasks as he could to his commanders. For perhaps the first time in his life his personal issues came first and he found himself trying to spend as much time with the bard as he could. The King would check up on them occasionally, waving away Die’s excuses. In his opinion it was about time the General has something else to worry about than his country, the man had been entirely too devoted to his work. The General’s commanders didn’t seem to mind either, taking every chance they could to prove their worth. Eventually Diesuke had to retire, and that left all of them in the running for the position.
As for Kaoru, Diesuke didn’t know if he was helping or hurting. He spent as much time with the bard as possible but this would result in any number of responses from the injured man. One minute Kaoru couldn’t even look at him and would be ordering him to stay as far away as possible, the next he’d be whimpering and begging to be held, to be reminded that Die wouldn’t leave him. Both reactions left Die confused but he did as he was told, all except leave when Kaoru told him too. Only on his own terms would he leave the bard alone. Slowly Kaoru’s panic spells began to become fewer and fewer, with a longer time between them. Die started feeling better about leaving the bard alone, no longer afraid that Kaoru wouldn’t be there when he returned, one way or another.
Gradually the young bard began to leave his rooms. At first only to visit Die in his office. Every once and a while he would pick up his neglected instrument and pluck at its strings. Die encouraged the bard in anything he wished, happy only at his seemingly recovering behavior. Die remained stoic however, any physical actions between them were initiated by the bard, as he had learned long ago, touching him out of turn could only make it worse. A few months after his abduction Die was curled up in his bed, cold and unable to sleep. The country of Jaypop was up to something, he was sure, and he was afraid he might have to take up his former workload once again if their neighbors moved upon the border. When his door came silently open he sat up, fully expecting a messenger to be standing there with another message for him. When Kaoru peeked inside, his hair an attractive mess, his thin form wrapped in a silken robe Diesuke smiled in relief.
“I couldn’t sleep.” Kaoru said quietly, moving to the chaise that still remained at the General’s bedside.
“Me neither.” Die admitted. “How are you feeling?”
Kaoru only nodded. “Something’s been worrying you lately.” He looked up at Diesuke. “What’s wrong?”
Die was surprised; Kaoru had forced himself to ignore his own pain, enough to notice Die’s habits of worry. “There’s something going on at the border of Jaypop. I’m afraid they might be moving against us again. If they do…I’ll have to take up my responsibilities again…and I’m afraid I won’t have enough time to…to look after you anymore…” He explained, looking at the sheets covering his legs.
Kaoru managed a thin smile but the General wasn’t looking. “I’m sorry for worrying you for so long.”
Die looked up. “Don’t say that, I’m partly responsible.”
Kaoru shook his head. “Lets not lay blame…” he looked up at the General. “I just think it’s about time I started looking after you again.” Smiling he moved to pick up his instrument. “Any requests?”
Die smiled. “The one you were working on, before all of this. The gentle one.” He said quietly, moving as close to the bard as he could get without falling off the bed.
Kaoru nodded and stroked the strings lovingly, meeting the General’s eyes. Softly he began to play, returning his gaze to the instrument in his arms. Closing his eyes Die let the gentle rhythm lull him to sleep. The darkness was claiming him when his mind registered the end of the song. Just before all consciousness was gone he felt the sheets lift and a thin, silk clad form curled up against his side. Smiling the two fell asleep, arm in arm.
